US20120027528A1 - Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same - Google Patents
Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120027528A1 US20120027528A1 US13/195,807 US201113195807A US2012027528A1 US 20120027528 A1 US20120027528 A1 US 20120027528A1 US 201113195807 A US201113195807 A US 201113195807A US 2012027528 A1 US2012027528 A1 US 2012027528A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- interconnecting member
- sand
- retaining wall
- diagrammatic representation
- geogrid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 5
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 120
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 118
- 230000008635 plant growth Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000001674 Agaricus brunnescens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000012489 doughnuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004746 geotextile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/025—Retaining or protecting walls made up of similar modular elements stacked without mortar
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
- E02D17/20—Securing of slopes or inclines
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
- E02D17/20—Securing of slopes or inclines
- E02D17/202—Securing of slopes or inclines with flexible securing means
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
- E02D17/20—Securing of slopes or inclines
- E02D17/205—Securing of slopes or inclines with modular blocks, e.g. pre-fabricated
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0258—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features
- E02D29/0266—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features made up of preformed elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0258—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features
- E02D29/0283—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features of mixed type
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0258—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features
- E02D29/0291—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features made up of filled, bag-like elements
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to retaining walls and to methods of constructing retaining walls.
- it pertains to retaining walls built of units such as sand/soil bags, wherein units in adjacent courses are connected together.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 to Kim entitled “Retaining Wall System With Interlocked Wall-Building Units” describes retaining walls that are used in a wide variety of civil engineering and landscaping applications including, for example, to support slopes and embankments for highways and railways, and to support noise barriers, among other things. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes a permanent retaining wall structure in which wall building units, such as sand/soil bags, used to make the face of the structure are attached to wall building units in adjacent courses, and preferably to geogrid sheets. Attachment is achieved using an interconnecting member (in the form of a plate) having projections on both sides thereof, which protrude into the wall building units in adjacent courses. The projections also protrude through holes in the geogrid sheets, stabilizing the retaining wall structure and backfill.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 A conventional interconnecting member 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , where FIG. 1 is a top isometric view and FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view.
- the interconnecting member takes the form of a rectangular plate and includes an upper side 12 and a lower side 14 .
- Both the upper side 12 and the lower side 14 of the interconnecting member 10 include a plurality of projections 16 in the form of spikes that are used to protrude into sand/soil bags 20 , as will be described in connection with FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 4 A, 4 B and 5 .
- the sand/soil bags 20 are made of a geotextile material, which is durable, permits water to flow in and through the bag, and permits seedlings to grow out, while retaining fine soil particles therein.
- the term sand/soil bag means a bag (or cover) filled with any suitable fill material, including sand, soil, and mixtures thereof, and may also include fill mixed with seeds for grass or other plants.
- FIG. 3A An exploded front elevation view of a conventional retaining wall system 30 is shown in FIG. 3A
- FIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation of an exploded right end elevation view of the retaining wall system 30
- the retaining wall system 30 includes a first course 40 of sand/soil bags 20 that extend horizontally and a second course 50 of sand/soil bags (only one bag is shown), which also extend horizontally, but are also vertically adjacent to the first course 40 .
- the first course 40 of sand/soil bags 20 and second course 50 of sand/soil bags are connected to one another by interconnecting members 10 .
- FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of an assembled retaining wall system 30
- FIG. 4B is a right end elevation view of the retaining wall system 30
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4A , which shows an interconnecting member 10 engaging two vertically adjacent sand/soil bags 20 .
- interconnecting members 10 are used to construct the retaining wall system 30 by placing them on top of sand/soil bags 20 in a (first) course 40 so that projections on the lower side protrude into the bags.
- a second course 50 of sand/soil bags is placed on top of the first course and of interconnecting members 10 .
- the projections 16 on the upper side of interconnecting member 10 protrude into the sand/soil bags of the second course 50 , and the weight of the sand/soil bags acts on the interconnecting members 10 , so that the projections 16 on the lower side 14 protrude into the sand/soil bags 20 in the first course 40 .
- the projections 16 can be configured to fully penetrate the sand/soil bags 20 or to simply indent them. In either case, the projections 16 are considered to “protrude” into the bags.
- Interconnecting members 10 are also used to anchor geogrid sheets to the sand/soil bags 20 .
- Geogrid sheets are known and commercially available plastic mesh products commonly used for soil reinforcement and have a plurality of holes therein.
- Geogrid sheets are affixed to the face of a retaining wall by placing an edge of the sheet over interconnecting members 10 atop a course of sand/soil bags 20 , so that the projections 16 on the upper side 12 of the interconnecting member protrude through the holes in the geogrid.
- a geogrid sheet may be placed directly on top of a course of sand/soil bags 20 with interconnecting members 10 placed over it.
- the projections 16 on the lower side 14 of the interconnecting member 10 would protrude down through the holes in the geogrid sheet and into the sand/soil bags 20 .
- the geogrid may be placed under the interconnecting member 10 instead of over it.
- the projections 16 which are designed to protrude into the sand/soil bags 20 are linearly tapered until they reach a point, wherein the point is furthest away from the face of the upper side 12 (or lower side 14 ).
- the geogrid will slide off of one or more of the projections 16 .
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes a geogrid holding members that are have a cap, are L-shaped or have a taper that increases as the distance from the face of the upper side 12 (or lower side 14 ) is increased.
- the geogrid holding members in the '364 patent are disadvantageous for a number of reasons. For example, using geogrid holding members adds cost since additional material must be used to construct same. As another example, using geogrid holding members may reduce stackability of interconnecting members during shipping.
- the present invention is designed to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or meet at least one of the aforementioned needs.
- the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags.
- the interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a conventional interconnecting member
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the conventional interconnecting member shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3A is diagrammatic representation of an exploded front elevation view of a conventional retaining wall system
- FIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation of an exploded right end elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG. 3A ;
- FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG. 3A ;
- FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG. 3A ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4A , which shows an conventional interconnecting member engaging two vertically adjacent sand/soil bags;
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall with interconnecting members shown schematically in broken lines;
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation view of the exemplary retaining wall of FIG. 6 with interconnecting members shown in broken lines;
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a first exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5 , which shows an interconnecting member of FIGS. 8 and 9 engaging two sand/soil bags;
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a second exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 11 with geogrid being placed over it;
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 11 with geogrid engaged therewith;
- FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a magnified cross-sectional view taken along line 14 - 14 of FIG. 13 showing geogrid in engagement with the interconnecting member;
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a third exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a first exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member
- FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a second exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member;
- FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member with a portion of geogrid in cross-section;
- FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member
- FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member
- FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a seventh exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 24 taken along line 25 - 25 of FIG. 24 showing a geogrid engaged by the interconnecting member;
- FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the exemplary interconnecting member shown in FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the exemplary interconnecting member shown in FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an interconnecting member mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag;
- FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member ultrasonically welded to a sand/soil bag;
- FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with adhesive;
- FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with a plurality of rivets;
- FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with a thread;
- FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member with Velcro hooks and a sand/soil bag with Velcro loop strips which work in combination to attach the interconnecting member to the sand/soil bag;
- FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a first exemplary spike assembly attached to a sand/soil bag;
- FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a spike housing of the spike assembly of FIG. 35 ;
- FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a second exemplary spike assembly with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional front elevation view of a third exemplary spike assembly with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;
- FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a first exemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded top plan view of the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48 ;
- FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of the anchor plate of FIG. 48 ;
- FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 51 - 51 of FIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between the anchor plate and the strap;
- FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored in dirt;
- FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored to rock;
- FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnecting member
- FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of an exemplary anchor strap
- FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 54 with the anchor strap of FIG. 55 attached thereto;
- FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a second exemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the interconnecting member of FIG. 54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 55 ;
- FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of isometric top views of interconnecting members showing some exemplary projection positions
- FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall using one or more of the interconnecting members shown in FIGS. 59-62 with such interconnecting members shown in broken lines;
- FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of a conventional projection for a conventional interconnecting member
- FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views of exemplary projections for exemplary interconnecting members
- FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eleventh exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a twelfth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a thirteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 71 ;
- FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 73 ;
- FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a first configuration
- FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a second configuration
- FIG. 77 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a third configuration
- FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 78 - 78 of FIG. 75 ;
- FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a seventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 79 ;
- FIG. 81 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom plan view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 79 ;
- FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of an eighteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention, wherein the interconnecting member includes a plurality of plates that are connected together by fastening members that are threaded through apertures in the plates;
- FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 82 ;
- FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 83 , except that the plates of the interconnecting member have been pivoted;
- FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 84 , except that the plates have been stacked on top of one another; and,
- FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention, wherein the interconnecting member includes a plurality of spike balls that are connected together by a fastener.
- FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall system 100 with interconnecting members 110 shown schematically in broken lines, while FIG. 7 is a right end elevation view of the exemplary retaining wall system 100 .
- Interconnecting members 110 are used to attach vertically adjacent sand/soil bags 120 to one another.
- sand/soil bag 120 means a bag (or cover) filled with any suitable fill material including sand, soil and mixtures thereof.
- the fill material may also include seeds for grass and other plants.
- the retaining wall system 100 includes a first plurality of sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one another forming a first, horizontally-extending course 140 ; a second plurality of sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one another and above the first course 140 to form a second, horizontally-extending course 150 ; and, interconnecting members 110 placed between the first and second courses 140 , 150 to attach them together.
- interconnecting members 110 are not limited to positions shown in FIG. 6 . Instead, the interconnecting members 110 can be positioned anywhere between the first course 140 and the second course 150 .
- first course 140 and second course 150 are not limited to the lowermost course and the course immediately vertically above it. Instead, first course and second course merely represent two courses of sand/soil bags, wherein at least one sand/soil bag of the first course forms no part of the second course.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric top view of a first exemplary interconnecting member 810 of the invention
- FIG. 9 is an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member 810
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5 , which shows the interconnecting member 810 of FIGS. 8 and 9 engaging two sand/soil bags 120 .
- the interconnecting member 810 includes an upper side 812 and a lower side 814 .
- both the upper side 812 and the lower side 814 have first projections 816 A and second projections 816 B extending therefrom, wherein the first projections 816 A are larger than the second projections 816 B.
- first projections 816 A are “larger” than second projections 816 B in at least one of the three main dimensions. That is, first projections 816 A have at least a greater height (e.g., in a vertical direction or z-axis), a greater width (e.g., in a first horizontal direction or y-axis) and/or greater depth (e.g., in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction or x-axis) than second projections 816 B. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 , the first projections 816 A are larger than second projections 816 B in all three dimensions.
- second projections 816 B in combination with first projections 816 A is believed to increase the strength of attachment (in, at least, some instances) between sand/soil bags 120 that are connected by interconnecting member 810 , as compared to sand/soil bags 120 that are connected by interconnecting member 10 of FIGS. 1-5 . Accordingly, the overall strength of retaining wall system 100 is believed to be improved.
- the first projections 816 A and second projections 816 B of FIGS. 8-10 have a spike shape. It should be understood that the shape of the first projections 816 A may be different from the shape of the second projections 816 B. It should also be understood that projections of more than two different shapes may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that first and second projections 816 A, 816 B may be provided on only one of upper side 812 and lower side 814 , instead of both. In addition, it should be understood that projections of more than two different sizes may be used.
- first and second projections 816 A, 816 B are not limited to the positions shown in FIGS. 8-10 .
- first projections on the lower side 814 are spaced sufficiently so that they engage adjacent sand/soil bags 120 in a first course 140 and first projections on the upper side 812 engage a single sand/soil bag 120 in a second course 150 that is vertically adjacent to the first course 140 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 ).
- the height of the first projections 816 A is at least twice the height of the second projections 816 B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of the first projections 816 A is at least twice the largest diameter of the second projections 816 B. In one embodiment, the height of the first projections 816 A is at least four times the height of the second projections 816 B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of the first projections 816 A is at least four times the largest diameter of the second projections 816 B. In one embodiment, the height of the first projections 816 A is at least eight times the height of the second projections 816 B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of the first projections 816 A is at least eight times the largest diameter of the second projections 816 B.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 (“the '364 patent”) describes various geogrid-holding members that are part of their respective interconnecting members.
- the geogrid-holding members extend in the same direction as the spike-shaped projections of the interconnecting members and are designed to securely attach the geogrid and to prevent the geogrid from becoming disengaged therefrom.
- the geogrid-holding members have a relatively blunt or flat portion that contacts the sand/soil bag (e.g., a cylindrical shape (or mushroom shape when a cap is used) as shown in FIG. 13 of the '364 patent, an upside down L-shape as shown in FIG.
- the relatively blunt or flat portion of the geogrid-holding members may interfere with the connection between an interconnecting member and a sand/soil bag. Furthermore, the position of the geogrid-holding members may also reduce the stackability of the interconnecting members when they are being transported.
- FIG. 11 is an isometric top view of a second exemplary interconnecting member 1110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the interconnecting member includes an upper side 1112 , a lower side 1114 , projections 1116 and geogrid-holding members 1118 .
- the geogrid-holding members 1118 extend along a first edge 1122 in a direction parallel to the upper side 1112 (or lower side 1114 ). Stated differently, the geogrid-holding members 1118 extend along a first edge 1122 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the projections 1116 extend.
- geogrid-holding members 1118 are designed to engage geogrid having a variety of mesh thicknesses.
- geogrid there are many manufacturers of geogrid. However, there does not appear to be any type of standardization of geogrid mesh thicknesses between manufacturers. Accordingly, when determining the position of geogrid-holding members, geogrid having a variety of mesh thicknesses are overlaid (either actually or diagrammatically) and the final position of the geogrid-holding members are determined to accommodate geogrid mesh thicknesses of interest.
- the geogrid-holding members 1118 of the present invention have a generally saw tooth shape with a pointed tip. This allows a larger number of geogrid mesh thicknesses to be accommodated as compared to the thicker, blunt-ended geogrid-holding members of the '364 patent.
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the interconnecting member 1110 of FIG. 11 with geogrid 1200 being placed over it.
- the interconnecting member 1110 has been placed over a sand/soil bag 120 prior to the geogrid 1200 being moved into place. It should be understood, however, that geogrid 1200 may be laid down first, which would then be followed by interconnecting member 1110 .
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the interconnecting member 1110 of FIG. 11 with geogrid 1200 engaged therewith.
- FIG. 14 is a magnified cross-sectional view taken along line 14 - 14 of FIG. 13 showing geogrid 1200 in engagement with the interconnecting member 1110 .
- FIG. 15 is an isometric top view of a third exemplary interconnecting member 1510 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the embodiment of FIG. 15 is similar to the interconnecting member 1110 shown in FIG. 11 , except that it illustrates that the number of geogrid-holding members 1118 is not limited to three and the position of the geogrid-holding members 1118 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 16 is an isometric top view of a fourth exemplary interconnecting member 1610 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the embodiment of FIG. 16 is similar to the interconnecting member 1110 shown in FIG. 11 , except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holding members 1118 may extend from second edge 1624 in addition to first edge 1122 .
- FIG. 17 is an isometric top view of a fifth exemplary interconnecting member 1710 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the embodiment of FIG. 17 is similar to the interconnecting member 1610 shown in FIG. 16 , except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holding members 1118 may extend from third edge 1726 and fourth edge 1728 in addition to first edge 1122 and second edge 1624 .
- FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixth exemplary interconnecting member 1810 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Other exemplary locations of the geogrid-holding members 1118 are shown in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member 1918 , which illustrates a first exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member.
- FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a second exemplary shape 2018 of a geogrid holding member.
- the overall shape of the geogrid holding member 2018 in FIG. 20 is similar to the shape of the geogrid holding member 1918 in FIG. 19
- FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate that the size of geogrid holding member may vary.
- a single interconnecting member may include geogrid holding members of multiple shapes and sizes.
- FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member 2118 with a portion of geogrid 1200 in cross-section.
- the geogrid holding member 2118 includes a cylindrical shaft 2120 and a conical upper portion 2122 .
- the diameter of the base 2124 of the conical upper portion 2122 is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical shaft 2120 , which assists the geogrid holding member 2118 in engaging the geogrid.
- FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member 2218 .
- FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member 2318 .
- FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a seventh exemplary interconnecting member 2410 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the interconnecting member 2410 includes one or more projections 2416 with undercuts or notches 2450 that are used to engage geogrid 1200 .
- FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view of the interconnecting member 2410 of FIG. 24 taken along line 25 - 25 of FIG. 24 showing geogrid 1200 engaged by the interconnecting member 2410 .
- FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eighth exemplary interconnecting member 2610 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the exemplary interconnecting member 2610 shown in FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the exemplary interconnecting member 2610 shown in FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an interconnecting member 2910 mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag 120 .
- FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member 3010 ultrasonically welded to a sand/soil bag 120 .
- FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member 3110 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with adhesive 3170 .
- FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member 3210 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with a plurality of rivets 3220 .
- the interconnecting member 3210 includes a plurality of apertures 3230 that correspond with the plurality of rivets 3220 .
- FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member 3310 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with a thread 3320 .
- the interconnecting member 3310 includes a plurality of apertures 3330 through which the thread 3320 can pass.
- FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member 3410 with Velcro hooks 3420 and a sand/soil bag 120 with Velcro loop strips 3430 which work in combination with one another to attach the interconnecting member 3410 to the sand/soil bag 120 .
- the Velcro loop strips 3430 are attached to the sand/soil bag 120 , for example, using adhesive or thread, or by ultrasonic welding. Other techniques of attaching the Velcro loop strips 3430 are possible and anticipated.
- FIGS. 35-47 illustrate a plurality of exemplary spike assemblies which may replace or be used in conjunction with one or more interconnecting members. Furthermore, two or more of the exemplary spike assemblies may be used together.
- FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a first exemplary spike assembly 3510 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 .
- FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 36 , the spike assembly 3510 includes a first portion 3520 and a second portion 3530 .
- FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 .
- FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- the manner of assembling the spike assembly 3510 is easily understood upon viewing FIGS. 36 , 38 and 39 .
- the second portion 3530 is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120 .
- the first portion 3520 is placed over the tip of the second portion 3520 .
- the first portion 3520 is flexible, but resilient, and allows the tip of the second portion 3530 to be pushed therethrough. Once the second portion 3530 has been completely received within first portion 3520 , the first and second portions 3520 , 3530 of the spike assembly 3510 are effectively locked together.
- FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a second exemplary spike assembly 4010 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- the spike assembly 4010 includes a first portion 4020 and a second portion 4030 which interconnect with one another.
- FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- the manner of assembling the spike assembly 4010 is easily understood upon viewing FIGS. 40-43 .
- the first portion 4020 is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120 .
- the second portion 4030 is placed over the tip of the first portion 4020 .
- a cap 4040 may be placed over the tip of the first portion 4020 to lock the spike assembly 4010 in place.
- the cap 4040 may be integrated with second portion 4030 or a separate piece.
- FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional front elevation view of a third exemplary spike assembly 4410 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- the spike assembly 4410 includes a first portion 4420 and a second portion 4430 which interconnect with one another.
- FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.
- the first portion 4420 includes a threaded shaft 4440 , which is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120 .
- the second portion 4430 which includes a corresponding threaded aperture 4450 is placed over the tip of the shaft 4440 of the first portion 4420 .
- the threaded shaft 4440 and the threaded aperture 4450 are rotated relative to one another to tighten. Accordingly, the first portion 4420 and the second portion 4430 become connected to one another.
- FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a first exemplary anchor/strap assembly 4810 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded top plan view of the anchor/strap assembly 4810 of FIG. 48 .
- the anchor/strap assembly 4810 includes an anchor plate 4820 , a strap 4830 and a loop plate 4840 .
- FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of the anchor plate 4820 of FIG. 48 .
- the anchor plate 4820 includes projections 5016 , which are used to connect the anchor/strap assembly 4810 to a sand/soil bag 120 .
- the anchor plate 4820 is made of metal and the projections 5016 are formed by punching triangular holes 5018 in the anchor plate 4820 .
- the anchor plate 4820 also includes a plate attachment member 5020 .
- the loop plate 4840 includes a loop attachment member 5030 .
- FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 51 - 51 of FIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between the anchor plate 4820 and the strap 4830 . Specifically, it shows how the plate attachment member 5020 is bent around the strap 4830 and attached thereto. The loop attachment member 5030 is bent around the other end of the strap 4830 in a similar manner, so as to attach the loop plate 4840 thereto.
- FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall 5210 showing the anchor/strap assembly 4810 of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored in dirt 5220 .
- a stake 5230 is placed through the loop in the anchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into the dirt 5220 .
- an anchor plate 4820 is placed between sand/soil bags 120 and the projections 5016 in the anchor plate serve to engage the sand/soil bags 120 .
- the anchor plate 4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120 .
- another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of the anchor plate 4820 .
- FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall 5310 showing the anchor/strap assembly 4810 of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored to rock 5320 .
- a stake 5330 is placed through the loop in the anchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into the rock 5320 .
- an anchor plate 4820 is placed between sand/soil bags 120 and the projections 5016 in the anchor plate serve to engage the sand/soil bags 120 .
- the anchor plate 4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120 .
- another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of the anchor plate 4820 .
- FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnecting member 5410 that has connection slots 5420 therein.
- FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of an exemplary anchor strap 5510 that cooperates with the connection slots 5420 of the interconnecting member 5401 of FIG. 54 .
- the anchor strap 5510 includes protrusions 5520 on each of its ends. The protrusions 5520 are sized to be received by the connection slots 5420 .
- FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a plurality of interconnecting members 5410 with an anchor strap 5510 attached thereto.
- FIG. 56 also shows (in phantom) one of many other locations where other anchor straps 5510 may be connected.
- FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a second exemplary anchor/strap assembly 5710 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the anchor/strap assembly 5710 is similar to the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48 , but includes connection slots 5720 therein.
- FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall 5810 showing the interconnecting member 5410 of FIG. 54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly 5510 of FIG. 55 .
- FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of sides of interconnecting members showing some exemplary projection positions and an exemplary number of projections. It should be understood that the sides of the interconnecting members shown in FIGS. 59-62 may be mixed and matched with one another. For example, an interconnecting member having an upper side like that shown in FIG. 59 may have a lower side like that shown in FIG. 62 .
- FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall 6310 using one or more of the interconnecting members shown in FIGS. 59-62 with such interconnecting members shown in broken lines. As shown in FIG. 63 , none of the interconnecting members span across adjacent sand/soil bags 120 .
- FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of a conventional projection 6410 for a conventional interconnecting member.
- FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views of exemplary projections 6510 , 6610 for exemplary interconnecting members. Other shapes are possible and anticipated.
- FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eleventh exemplary interconnecting member 6710 of the invention, which has holes 6720 through which plants may grow. In one embodiment, the holes do not need to be identical in shape or size.
- FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a twelfth exemplary interconnecting member 6810 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like a figure eight and which has holes 6820 through which plants may grow.
- FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a thirteenth exemplary interconnecting member 6910 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like a zero (or donut) and which has a hole 6920 through which plants may grow.
- FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7010 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like an X.
- FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7110 of the invention.
- FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member 7710 of FIG. 71 .
- the interconnecting member 7110 includes many of the features already described above, including large 7120 and small projections 7130 , along with connection slots 7140 .
- the large projections 7120 have notches 7150 therein to engage geogrid (not shown).
- the interconnecting member 7110 has a lattice-type hole pattern 7160 to permit plants to grow therethrough.
- FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7310 of the invention.
- FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member 7310 of FIG. 73 .
- the projections 7320 of the interconnecting member 7310 have corresponding recesses 7330 , so as to promote the stackability of the interconnecting members 7310 .
- FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310 ) that have been connected to one another in a first configuration.
- FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310 ) that have been connected to one another in a second configuration.
- FIG. 77 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310 ) that have been connected to one another in a third configuration.
- FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 78 - 78 of FIG. 75 .
- FIG. 78 shows how a projection (like projection 7320 ) is received in a recess (like recess 7330 ).
- FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a seventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.
- FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 79 .
- FIG. 81 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom plan view of the interconnecting member of FIG. 79 .
- the interconnecting member 7910 includes many of the features already described above, including large 7920 and small projections 7930 .
- the large projections 7920 have notches 7950 therein to engage geogrid (not shown).
- the interconnecting member 7910 has a lattice-type hole pattern 7960 to permit plants to grow therethrough.
- FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of an eighteenth exemplary interconnecting member 8210 of the invention.
- the interconnecting member includes a plurality of plates 8215 A, 8215 B, 8215 C that are connected together by fastening members 8225 that are threaded through apertures 8235 in the plates 8215 A, 8215 B, 8215 C.
- the fastening members 8225 may take a variety of forms. Cable ties are shown in FIGS. 82-85 , but the invention is not limited to cable ties.
- FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member 8210 of FIG. 82 .
- FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 83 , except that the plates 8215 A, 8215 B, 8215 C of the interconnecting member have been pivoted relative to one another.
- FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 84 , except that the plates 8215 A, 8215 B, 8215 C have been stacked on top of one another.
- projections 8220 from one plate correspond with recesses 8230 under projections 8220 in another plate, so that the plates can be easily stacked on top of one another.
- each plate includes no more than one projection on one of its sides and a plurality of projections on the other of its sides. Of course, in other embodiments, other combinations of projections are possible.
- FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplary interconnecting member 8610 of the invention.
- the interconnecting member 8610 includes first and second spike balls 8620 A, 8620 B that are connected together by a fastener 8630 .
- the first spike ball 8620 A includes a loop or hook 8640 A and the second spike ball 8620 B includes a loop or hook 8640 B.
- the fastener 8630 is attached to the loops or hooks 8640 A, 8640 B, so as to connect the first and second spike balls 8620 A, 8620 B together.
- the spike balls 8620 A, 8620 B include projections 8650 , which are similar to projections 1116 .
- the first and second spike balls 8620 A, 8620 B are made of plastic and the fastener 8630 is made of plastic.
- the interconnecting member includes only a single spike ball. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member includes more than two spike balls of which at least two are connected to each other. In one embodiment, at least one spike ball includes more than one loop or hook.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/369,663, filed Jul. 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to retaining walls and to methods of constructing retaining walls. In particular, it pertains to retaining walls built of units such as sand/soil bags, wherein units in adjacent courses are connected together.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 to Kim entitled “Retaining Wall System With Interlocked Wall-Building Units” describes retaining walls that are used in a wide variety of civil engineering and landscaping applications including, for example, to support slopes and embankments for highways and railways, and to support noise barriers, among other things. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes a permanent retaining wall structure in which wall building units, such as sand/soil bags, used to make the face of the structure are attached to wall building units in adjacent courses, and preferably to geogrid sheets. Attachment is achieved using an interconnecting member (in the form of a plate) having projections on both sides thereof, which protrude into the wall building units in adjacent courses. The projections also protrude through holes in the geogrid sheets, stabilizing the retaining wall structure and backfill. U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- A
conventional interconnecting member 10 is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , whereFIG. 1 is a top isometric view andFIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view. The interconnecting member takes the form of a rectangular plate and includes anupper side 12 and alower side 14. - Both the
upper side 12 and thelower side 14 of the interconnectingmember 10 include a plurality ofprojections 16 in the form of spikes that are used to protrude into sand/soil bags 20, as will be described in connection withFIGS. 3A , 3B, 4A, 4B and 5. The sand/soil bags 20 are made of a geotextile material, which is durable, permits water to flow in and through the bag, and permits seedlings to grow out, while retaining fine soil particles therein. The term sand/soil bag means a bag (or cover) filled with any suitable fill material, including sand, soil, and mixtures thereof, and may also include fill mixed with seeds for grass or other plants. - An exploded front elevation view of a conventional
retaining wall system 30 is shown inFIG. 3A , whileFIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation of an exploded right end elevation view of theretaining wall system 30. As shown in the figures, theretaining wall system 30 includes afirst course 40 of sand/soil bags 20 that extend horizontally and asecond course 50 of sand/soil bags (only one bag is shown), which also extend horizontally, but are also vertically adjacent to thefirst course 40. Thefirst course 40 of sand/soil bags 20 andsecond course 50 of sand/soil bags are connected to one another by interconnectingmembers 10. -
FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of an assembledretaining wall system 30, whileFIG. 4B is a right end elevation view of theretaining wall system 30.FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4A , which shows an interconnectingmember 10 engaging two vertically adjacent sand/soil bags 20. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A , 4B and 5, interconnectingmembers 10 are used to construct theretaining wall system 30 by placing them on top of sand/soil bags 20 in a (first)course 40 so that projections on the lower side protrude into the bags. Asecond course 50 of sand/soil bags is placed on top of the first course and of interconnectingmembers 10. Theprojections 16 on the upper side of interconnectingmember 10 protrude into the sand/soil bags of thesecond course 50, and the weight of the sand/soil bags acts on the interconnectingmembers 10, so that theprojections 16 on thelower side 14 protrude into the sand/soil bags 20 in thefirst course 40. Theprojections 16 can be configured to fully penetrate the sand/soil bags 20 or to simply indent them. In either case, theprojections 16 are considered to “protrude” into the bags. - Interconnecting
members 10 are also used to anchor geogrid sheets to the sand/soil bags 20. Geogrid sheets are known and commercially available plastic mesh products commonly used for soil reinforcement and have a plurality of holes therein. Geogrid sheets are affixed to the face of a retaining wall by placing an edge of the sheet over interconnectingmembers 10 atop a course of sand/soil bags 20, so that theprojections 16 on theupper side 12 of the interconnecting member protrude through the holes in the geogrid. When the next course of sand/soil bags 20 is put on top,projections 16 on the upper side of the interconnectingmember 10, which already extend through the geogrid, protrude into the underside of the sand/soil bags 20 in the upper course. - Instead of being placed over an interconnecting
member 10, a geogrid sheet may be placed directly on top of a course of sand/soil bags 20 with interconnectingmembers 10 placed over it. In such case, theprojections 16 on thelower side 14 of the interconnectingmember 10 would protrude down through the holes in the geogrid sheet and into the sand/soil bags 20. In other words, the geogrid may be placed under the interconnectingmember 10 instead of over it. - As shown and described in connection with
FIGS. 1-5 , theprojections 16, which are designed to protrude into the sand/soil bags 20 are linearly tapered until they reach a point, wherein the point is furthest away from the face of the upper side 12 (or lower side 14). When forces act on the geogrid, there is some concern that the geogrid will slide off of one or more of theprojections 16. - In order to address this concern, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes a geogrid holding members that are have a cap, are L-shaped or have a taper that increases as the distance from the face of the upper side 12 (or lower side 14) is increased. The geogrid holding members in the '364 patent are disadvantageous for a number of reasons. For example, using geogrid holding members adds cost since additional material must be used to construct same. As another example, using geogrid holding members may reduce stackability of interconnecting members during shipping.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop an interconnecting member which reliably secures geogrid using projections, but without requiring separate geogrid holding members that may reduce stackability.
- It would also be desirable to develop an interconnecting member which reduces the likelihood of poor interconnection between vertically adjacent sand/soil bags.
- It would also be desirable to permit interconnecting members to be attached to one another in a linear and/or transverse configuration.
- It would also be desirable to allow more flexibility in creating retaining wall structures by permitting straps to be attached to interconnecting members.
- It would also be desirable to develop more permanent connections between interconnecting members and sand/soil bags.
- It would also be desirable to modify the shape of interconnecting members, so as to increase the opportunity for plant growth and reduce the likelihood of obstructing plant growth.
- The present invention is designed to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or meet at least one of the aforementioned needs.
- Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid.
- Other objects, features, embodiments and/or advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a conventional interconnecting member; -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the conventional interconnecting member shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3A is diagrammatic representation of an exploded front elevation view of a conventional retaining wall system; -
FIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation of an exploded right end elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4A , which shows an conventional interconnecting member engaging two vertically adjacent sand/soil bags; -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall with interconnecting members shown schematically in broken lines; -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation view of the exemplary retaining wall ofFIG. 6 with interconnecting members shown in broken lines; -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a first exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view, similar toFIG. 5 , which shows an interconnecting member ofFIGS. 8 and 9 engaging two sand/soil bags; -
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a second exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 11 with geogrid being placed over it; -
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 11 with geogrid engaged therewith; -
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a magnified cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 ofFIG. 13 showing geogrid in engagement with the interconnecting member; -
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a third exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a first exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member; -
FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a second exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member; -
FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member with a portion of geogrid in cross-section; -
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member; -
FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member; -
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a seventh exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 ofFIG. 24 showing a geogrid engaged by the interconnecting member; -
FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eighth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the exemplary interconnecting member shown inFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the exemplary interconnecting member shown inFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an interconnecting member mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag; -
FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member ultrasonically welded to a sand/soil bag; -
FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with adhesive; -
FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with a plurality of rivets; -
FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to a sand/soil bag with a thread; -
FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnecting member with Velcro hooks and a sand/soil bag with Velcro loop strips which work in combination to attach the interconnecting member to the sand/soil bag; -
FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a first exemplary spike assembly attached to a sand/soil bag; -
FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assemblyFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a spike housing of the spike assembly ofFIG. 35 ; -
FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a second exemplary spike assembly with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional front elevation view of a third exemplary spike assembly with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of the spike assembly ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section; -
FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a first exemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded top plan view of the anchor/strap assembly ofFIG. 48 ; -
FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of the anchor plate ofFIG. 48 ; -
FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 51-51 ofFIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between the anchor plate and the strap; -
FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly ofFIG. 48 in use by being anchored in dirt; -
FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly ofFIG. 48 in use by being anchored to rock; -
FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnecting member; -
FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of an exemplary anchor strap; -
FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 54 with the anchor strap ofFIG. 55 attached thereto; -
FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a second exemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of a retaining wall showing the interconnecting member ofFIG. 54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly ofFIG. 55 ; -
FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of isometric top views of interconnecting members showing some exemplary projection positions; -
FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall using one or more of the interconnecting members shown inFIGS. 59-62 with such interconnecting members shown in broken lines; -
FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of a conventional projection for a conventional interconnecting member; -
FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views of exemplary projections for exemplary interconnecting members; -
FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eleventh exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a twelfth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a thirteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 71 ; -
FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 73 ; -
FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a first configuration; -
FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a second configuration; -
FIG. 77 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to one another in a third configuration; -
FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 78-78 ofFIG. 75 ; -
FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a seventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention; -
FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 79 ; -
FIG. 81 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom plan view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 79 ; -
FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of an eighteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention, wherein the interconnecting member includes a plurality of plates that are connected together by fastening members that are threaded through apertures in the plates; -
FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 82 ; -
FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic representation similar toFIG. 83 , except that the plates of the interconnecting member have been pivoted; -
FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar toFIG. 84 , except that the plates have been stacked on top of one another; and, -
FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention, wherein the interconnecting member includes a plurality of spike balls that are connected together by a fastener. -
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplaryretaining wall system 100 with interconnectingmembers 110 shown schematically in broken lines, whileFIG. 7 is a right end elevation view of the exemplaryretaining wall system 100. Interconnectingmembers 110 are used to attach vertically adjacent sand/soil bags 120 to one another. - As used herein, sand/
soil bag 120 means a bag (or cover) filled with any suitable fill material including sand, soil and mixtures thereof. The fill material may also include seeds for grass and other plants. - In one embodiment, the retaining
wall system 100 includes a first plurality of sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one another forming a first, horizontally-extendingcourse 140; a second plurality of sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one another and above thefirst course 140 to form a second, horizontally-extendingcourse 150; and, interconnectingmembers 110 placed between the first andsecond courses - It should be understood that the interconnecting
members 110 are not limited to positions shown inFIG. 6 . Instead, the interconnectingmembers 110 can be positioned anywhere between thefirst course 140 and thesecond course 150. - It should also be understood that the terms
first course 140 andsecond course 150 are not limited to the lowermost course and the course immediately vertically above it. Instead, first course and second course merely represent two courses of sand/soil bags, wherein at least one sand/soil bag of the first course forms no part of the second course. - Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, including several embodiments of the interconnecting
member 110. -
FIG. 8 is an isometric top view of a first exemplary interconnectingmember 810 of the invention, whileFIG. 9 is an isometric bottom view of the interconnectingmember 810.FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, similar toFIG. 5 , which shows the interconnectingmember 810 ofFIGS. 8 and 9 engaging two sand/soil bags 120. - As shown in
FIGS. 8-10 , the interconnectingmember 810 includes anupper side 812 and alower side 814. In contrast to theprojections 16 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , both theupper side 812 and thelower side 814 havefirst projections 816A andsecond projections 816B extending therefrom, wherein thefirst projections 816A are larger than thesecond projections 816B. - More specifically,
first projections 816A are “larger” thansecond projections 816B in at least one of the three main dimensions. That is,first projections 816A have at least a greater height (e.g., in a vertical direction or z-axis), a greater width (e.g., in a first horizontal direction or y-axis) and/or greater depth (e.g., in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction or x-axis) thansecond projections 816B. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 8-10 , thefirst projections 816A are larger thansecond projections 816B in all three dimensions. - Without being bound by any theory, using
second projections 816B in combination withfirst projections 816A is believed to increase the strength of attachment (in, at least, some instances) between sand/soil bags 120 that are connected by interconnectingmember 810, as compared to sand/soil bags 120 that are connected by interconnectingmember 10 ofFIGS. 1-5 . Accordingly, the overall strength of retainingwall system 100 is believed to be improved. - The
first projections 816A andsecond projections 816B ofFIGS. 8-10 have a spike shape. It should be understood that the shape of thefirst projections 816A may be different from the shape of thesecond projections 816B. It should also be understood that projections of more than two different shapes may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that first andsecond projections upper side 812 andlower side 814, instead of both. In addition, it should be understood that projections of more than two different sizes may be used. - In one embodiment, there are at least twice as many
second projections 816B as there arefirst projections 816A (e.g., onupper side 812, onlower side 814 or a combination of both). In other embodiments, there are at least three times, four times, ten times or twenty times as manysecond projections 816B as there arefirst projections 816A. - It should be understood that positions of the first and
second projections FIGS. 8-10 . In one embodiment, first projections on thelower side 814 are spaced sufficiently so that they engage adjacent sand/soil bags 120 in afirst course 140 and first projections on theupper side 812 engage a single sand/soil bag 120 in asecond course 150 that is vertically adjacent to the first course 140 (see, e.g.,FIG. 6 ). - In one embodiment, the height of the
first projections 816A is at least twice the height of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of thefirst projections 816A is at least twice the largest diameter of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the height of thefirst projections 816A is at least four times the height of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of thefirst projections 816A is at least four times the largest diameter of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the height of thefirst projections 816A is at least eight times the height of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of thefirst projections 816A is at least eight times the largest diameter of thesecond projections 816B. - U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 (“the '364 patent”) describes various geogrid-holding members that are part of their respective interconnecting members. In each case, the geogrid-holding members extend in the same direction as the spike-shaped projections of the interconnecting members and are designed to securely attach the geogrid and to prevent the geogrid from becoming disengaged therefrom. Accordingly, the geogrid-holding members have a relatively blunt or flat portion that contacts the sand/soil bag (e.g., a cylindrical shape (or mushroom shape when a cap is used) as shown in FIG. 13 of the '364 patent, an upside down L-shape as shown in FIG. 19 of the '364 patent and tapered shape with a wide top and narrow base as shown in FIG. 25 of the '364 patent). The relatively blunt or flat portion of the geogrid-holding members may interfere with the connection between an interconnecting member and a sand/soil bag. Furthermore, the position of the geogrid-holding members may also reduce the stackability of the interconnecting members when they are being transported.
-
FIG. 11 is an isometric top view of a second exemplary interconnectingmember 1110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The interconnecting member includes anupper side 1112, alower side 1114,projections 1116 and geogrid-holdingmembers 1118. - In order to reduce the likelihood of interference with the connection between the interconnecting
member 1110 and a sand/soil bag 120, the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 extend along afirst edge 1122 in a direction parallel to the upper side 1112 (or lower side 1114). Stated differently, the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 extend along afirst edge 1122 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which theprojections 1116 extend. - In one embodiment, geogrid-holding
members 1118 are designed to engage geogrid having a variety of mesh thicknesses. To explain further, there are many manufacturers of geogrid. However, there does not appear to be any type of standardization of geogrid mesh thicknesses between manufacturers. Accordingly, when determining the position of geogrid-holding members, geogrid having a variety of mesh thicknesses are overlaid (either actually or diagrammatically) and the final position of the geogrid-holding members are determined to accommodate geogrid mesh thicknesses of interest. - In one embodiment, the geogrid-holding
members 1118 of the present invention have a generally saw tooth shape with a pointed tip. This allows a larger number of geogrid mesh thicknesses to be accommodated as compared to the thicker, blunt-ended geogrid-holding members of the '364 patent. -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the interconnectingmember 1110 ofFIG. 11 withgeogrid 1200 being placed over it. In such case, the interconnectingmember 1110 has been placed over a sand/soil bag 120 prior to thegeogrid 1200 being moved into place. It should be understood, however, thatgeogrid 1200 may be laid down first, which would then be followed by interconnectingmember 1110. -
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the interconnectingmember 1110 ofFIG. 11 withgeogrid 1200 engaged therewith.FIG. 14 is a magnified cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 ofFIG. 13 showing geogrid 1200 in engagement with the interconnectingmember 1110. -
FIG. 15 is an isometric top view of a third exemplary interconnectingmember 1510 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment ofFIG. 15 is similar to the interconnectingmember 1110 shown inFIG. 11 , except that it illustrates that the number of geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 is not limited to three and the position of the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 is not limited to that shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 16 is an isometric top view of a fourth exemplary interconnectingmember 1610 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment ofFIG. 16 is similar to the interconnectingmember 1110 shown inFIG. 11 , except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 may extend fromsecond edge 1624 in addition tofirst edge 1122. -
FIG. 17 is an isometric top view of a fifth exemplary interconnectingmember 1710 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment ofFIG. 17 is similar to the interconnectingmember 1610 shown inFIG. 16 , except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 may extend fromthird edge 1726 andfourth edge 1728 in addition tofirst edge 1122 andsecond edge 1624. -
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixth exemplary interconnecting member 1810 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Other exemplary locations of the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 are shown inFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnectingmember 1918, which illustrates a first exemplary shape of a geogrid holding member. -
FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a secondexemplary shape 2018 of a geogrid holding member. Although the overall shape of thegeogrid holding member 2018 inFIG. 20 is similar to the shape of thegeogrid holding member 1918 inFIG. 19 ,FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate that the size of geogrid holding member may vary. Furthermore, it should be understood that a single interconnecting member may include geogrid holding members of multiple shapes and sizes. -
FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shape of ageogrid holding member 2118 with a portion ofgeogrid 1200 in cross-section. Thegeogrid holding member 2118 includes acylindrical shaft 2120 and a conicalupper portion 2122. The diameter of thebase 2124 of the conicalupper portion 2122 is greater than the diameter of thecylindrical shaft 2120, which assists thegeogrid holding member 2118 in engaging the geogrid. -
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shape of ageogrid holding member 2218. -
FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shape of ageogrid holding member 2318. -
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a seventh exemplary interconnecting member 2410 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The interconnecting member 2410 includes one ormore projections 2416 with undercuts ornotches 2450 that are used to engagegeogrid 1200. -
FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view of the interconnecting member 2410 ofFIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 ofFIG. 24 showing geogrid 1200 engaged by the interconnecting member 2410. -
FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eighth exemplary interconnectingmember 2610 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of theexemplary interconnecting member 2610 shown inFIG. 26 .FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of theexemplary interconnecting member 2610 shown inFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 2910 mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag 120. -
FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 3010 ultrasonically welded to a sand/soil bag 120. -
FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 3110 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with adhesive 3170. -
FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 3210 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with a plurality ofrivets 3220. In this embodiment, the interconnectingmember 3210 includes a plurality ofapertures 3230 that correspond with the plurality ofrivets 3220. -
FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 3310 attached to a sand/soil bag 120 with athread 3320. In this embodiment, the interconnectingmember 3310 includes a plurality ofapertures 3330 through which thethread 3320 can pass. -
FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of an interconnectingmember 3410 with Velcro hooks 3420 and a sand/soil bag 120 withVelcro loop strips 3430 which work in combination with one another to attach the interconnectingmember 3410 to the sand/soil bag 120. TheVelcro loop strips 3430 are attached to the sand/soil bag 120, for example, using adhesive or thread, or by ultrasonic welding. Other techniques of attaching theVelcro loop strips 3430 are possible and anticipated. -
FIGS. 35-47 illustrate a plurality of exemplary spike assemblies which may replace or be used in conjunction with one or more interconnecting members. Furthermore, two or more of the exemplary spike assemblies may be used together. -
FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a firstexemplary spike assembly 3510 attached to a sand/soil bag 120. -
FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of thespike assembly 3510 ofFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. As shown inFIG. 36 , thespike assembly 3510 includes afirst portion 3520 and asecond portion 3530.FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portion of thespike assembly 3510 ofFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 3510 ofFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 3510 ofFIG. 35 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. - The manner of assembling the
spike assembly 3510 is easily understood upon viewingFIGS. 36 , 38 and 39. Specifically, thesecond portion 3530 is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120. Then, thefirst portion 3520 is placed over the tip of thesecond portion 3520. Thefirst portion 3520 is flexible, but resilient, and allows the tip of thesecond portion 3530 to be pushed therethrough. Once thesecond portion 3530 has been completely received withinfirst portion 3520, the first andsecond portions spike assembly 3510 are effectively locked together. -
FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a secondexemplary spike assembly 4010 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional exploded elevation view of thespike assembly 4010 ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. Thespike assembly 4010 includes afirst portion 4020 and asecond portion 4030 which interconnect with one another. -
FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 4010 ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 4010 ofFIG. 40 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. - The manner of assembling the
spike assembly 4010 is easily understood upon viewingFIGS. 40-43 . Specifically, thefirst portion 4020 is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120. Then, thesecond portion 4030 is placed over the tip of thefirst portion 4020. Acap 4040 may be placed over the tip of thefirst portion 4020 to lock thespike assembly 4010 in place. Thecap 4040 may be integrated withsecond portion 4030 or a separate piece. -
FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional front elevation view of a thirdexemplary spike assembly 4410 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation view of thespike assembly 4410 ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. Thespike assembly 4410 includes afirst portion 4420 and asecond portion 4430 which interconnect with one another. -
FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partially assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 4410 ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevation view of thespike assembly 4410 ofFIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. - The manner of assembling the
spike assembly 4410 is easily understood upon viewingFIGS. 44-47 . Specifically, thefirst portion 4420 includes a threadedshaft 4440, which is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120. Then, thesecond portion 4430, which includes a corresponding threadedaperture 4450 is placed over the tip of theshaft 4440 of thefirst portion 4420. The threadedshaft 4440 and the threadedaperture 4450 are rotated relative to one another to tighten. Accordingly, thefirst portion 4420 and thesecond portion 4430 become connected to one another. -
FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a first exemplary anchor/strap assembly 4810 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded top plan view of the anchor/strap assembly 4810 ofFIG. 48 . The anchor/strap assembly 4810 includes ananchor plate 4820, astrap 4830 and aloop plate 4840. -
FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of theanchor plate 4820 ofFIG. 48 . Theanchor plate 4820 includesprojections 5016, which are used to connect the anchor/strap assembly 4810 to a sand/soil bag 120. - In one embodiment, the
anchor plate 4820 is made of metal and theprojections 5016 are formed by punchingtriangular holes 5018 in theanchor plate 4820. Theanchor plate 4820 also includes aplate attachment member 5020. Similarly, theloop plate 4840 includes aloop attachment member 5030. -
FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 51-51 ofFIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between theanchor plate 4820 and thestrap 4830. Specifically, it shows how theplate attachment member 5020 is bent around thestrap 4830 and attached thereto. Theloop attachment member 5030 is bent around the other end of thestrap 4830 in a similar manner, so as to attach theloop plate 4840 thereto. -
FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of aretaining wall 5210 showing the anchor/strap assembly 4810 ofFIG. 48 in use by being anchored indirt 5220. Specifically, in one embodiment, a stake 5230 is placed through the loop in the anchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into thedirt 5220. At the other end of the anchor/strap assembly 4810, ananchor plate 4820 is placed between sand/soil bags 120 and theprojections 5016 in the anchor plate serve to engage the sand/soil bags 120. Preferably, theanchor plate 4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120. Then, another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of theanchor plate 4820. -
FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of aretaining wall 5310 showing the anchor/strap assembly 4810 ofFIG. 48 in use by being anchored torock 5320. Specifically, in one embodiment, a stake 5330 is placed through the loop in the anchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into therock 5320. At the other end of the anchor/strap assembly 4810, ananchor plate 4820 is placed between sand/soil bags 120 and theprojections 5016 in the anchor plate serve to engage the sand/soil bags 120. Preferably, theanchor plate 4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120. Then, another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of theanchor plate 4820. -
FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnectingmember 5410 that hasconnection slots 5420 therein.FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of anexemplary anchor strap 5510 that cooperates with theconnection slots 5420 of the interconnecting member 5401 ofFIG. 54 . Specifically, theanchor strap 5510 includesprotrusions 5520 on each of its ends. Theprotrusions 5520 are sized to be received by theconnection slots 5420. -
FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a plurality of interconnectingmembers 5410 with ananchor strap 5510 attached thereto.FIG. 56 also shows (in phantom) one of many other locations whereother anchor straps 5510 may be connected. -
FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a second exemplary anchor/strap assembly 5710 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The anchor/strap assembly 5710 is similar to the anchor/strap assembly ofFIG. 48 , but includesconnection slots 5720 therein. -
FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right end elevation of aretaining wall 5810 showing the interconnectingmember 5410 ofFIG. 54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly 5510 ofFIG. 55 . -
FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of sides of interconnecting members showing some exemplary projection positions and an exemplary number of projections. It should be understood that the sides of the interconnecting members shown inFIGS. 59-62 may be mixed and matched with one another. For example, an interconnecting member having an upper side like that shown inFIG. 59 may have a lower side like that shown inFIG. 62 . - The sides of the interconnecting members shown in
FIG. 59-62 are not intended to be placed across horizontally adjacent sand/soil bags 120. More specifically,FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of anexemplary retaining wall 6310 using one or more of the interconnecting members shown inFIGS. 59-62 with such interconnecting members shown in broken lines. As shown inFIG. 63 , none of the interconnecting members span across adjacent sand/soil bags 120. -
FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of aconventional projection 6410 for a conventional interconnecting member. -
FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views ofexemplary projections -
FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of an eleventh exemplary interconnectingmember 6710 of the invention, which hasholes 6720 through which plants may grow. In one embodiment, the holes do not need to be identical in shape or size. -
FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a twelfth exemplary interconnectingmember 6810 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like a figure eight and which hasholes 6820 through which plants may grow. -
FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a thirteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 6910 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like a zero (or donut) and which has ahole 6920 through which plants may grow. -
FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fourteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 7010 of the invention, which is roughly shaped like an X. -
FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a fifteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 7110 of the invention.FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnecting member 7710 ofFIG. 71 . The interconnectingmember 7110 includes many of the features already described above, including large 7120 andsmall projections 7130, along withconnection slots 7140. Thelarge projections 7120 havenotches 7150 therein to engage geogrid (not shown). Furthermore, the interconnectingmember 7110 has a lattice-type hole pattern 7160 to permit plants to grow therethrough. -
FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of a sixteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 7310 of the invention.FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of the interconnectingmember 7310 of FIG. 73. Unlike the interconnectingmember 7110 shown inFIG. 71 , theprojections 7320 of the interconnectingmember 7310 have correspondingrecesses 7330, so as to promote the stackability of the interconnectingmembers 7310. -
FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310) that have been connected to one another in a first configuration.FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310) that have been connected to one another in a second configuration.FIG. 77 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310) that have been connected to one another in a third configuration. -
FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view taken along line 78-78 ofFIG. 75 .FIG. 78 shows how a projection (like projection 7320) is received in a recess (like recess 7330). -
FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a seventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention.FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 79 .FIG. 81 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom plan view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 79 . The interconnectingmember 7910 includes many of the features already described above, including large 7920 andsmall projections 7930. Thelarge projections 7920 havenotches 7950 therein to engage geogrid (not shown). Furthermore, the interconnectingmember 7910 has a lattice-type hole pattern 7960 to permit plants to grow therethrough. -
FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of an eighteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 8210 of the invention. The interconnecting member includes a plurality ofplates members 8225 that are threaded throughapertures 8235 in theplates fastening members 8225 may take a variety of forms. Cable ties are shown inFIGS. 82-85 , but the invention is not limited to cable ties. -
FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of the interconnectingmember 8210 ofFIG. 82 .FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic representation similar toFIG. 83 , except that theplates FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar toFIG. 84 , except that theplates projections 8220 from one plate correspond withrecesses 8230 underprojections 8220 in another plate, so that the plates can be easily stacked on top of one another. In one embodiment, each plate includes no more than one projection on one of its sides and a plurality of projections on the other of its sides. Of course, in other embodiments, other combinations of projections are possible. -
FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplary interconnectingmember 8610 of the invention. In this embodiment, the interconnectingmember 8610 includes first andsecond spike balls fastener 8630. Thefirst spike ball 8620A includes a loop or hook 8640A and thesecond spike ball 8620B includes a loop or hook 8640B. Thefastener 8630 is attached to the loops or hooks 8640A, 8640B, so as to connect the first andsecond spike balls spike balls projections 8650, which are similar toprojections 1116. In one embodiment, the first andsecond spike balls fastener 8630 is made of plastic. - In one embodiment, the interconnecting member includes only a single spike ball. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member includes more than two spike balls of which at least two are connected to each other. In one embodiment, at least one spike ball includes more than one loop or hook.
- Several embodiments of the invention have been described. It should be understood that the concepts described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be combined with the concepts described in connection with another embodiment (or other embodiments) of the invention.
- While an effort has been made to describe some alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given herein.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/195,807 US9175453B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2011-08-01 | Retaining wall systems and methods of constructing same |
US14/927,464 US20160047108A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2015-10-30 | Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US36966310P | 2010-07-30 | 2010-07-30 | |
US13/195,807 US9175453B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2011-08-01 | Retaining wall systems and methods of constructing same |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/927,464 Continuation US20160047108A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2015-10-30 | Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120027528A1 true US20120027528A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
US9175453B2 US9175453B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 |
Family
ID=45526902
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/195,807 Expired - Fee Related US9175453B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2011-08-01 | Retaining wall systems and methods of constructing same |
US14/927,464 Abandoned US20160047108A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2015-10-30 | Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/927,464 Abandoned US20160047108A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2015-10-30 | Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9175453B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2598703A4 (en) |
AU (2) | AU2011283647B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2803917C (en) |
MX (1) | MX338202B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012016246A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014134735A1 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2014-09-12 | Callewaert Mike | Interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag structure |
JP2014177814A (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-25 | Toyobo Co Ltd | Cloth form and slope protection method |
US20140369768A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-12-18 | Bari G. Blanks | Interconnecting Members and Methods of Interconnecting Units |
KR101700881B1 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2017-02-01 | 박미정 | Soil bag for growing plants binding plate |
WO2017039530A1 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2017-03-09 | Systemnix Asia Pte Ltd | Permanent soil stabilization system and embankment protection and erosion control method using the same |
KR20180090170A (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2018-08-10 | 안학현 | Slope supporting structures |
KR20220043446A (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2022-04-05 | 김헌수 | Breast wall structure |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107401180A (en) * | 2016-12-07 | 2017-11-28 | 青海富腾生态科技有限公司 | The greening construction method and special equipment of a kind of roadside massif vertical retaining wall |
DE102019106602A1 (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2020-09-17 | Adolf Würth Gmbh & Co Kg | Friction plate for a wood connection |
Citations (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1252678A (en) * | 1916-08-02 | 1918-01-08 | Asa W Farney | Riprap. |
US1597114A (en) * | 1925-06-22 | 1926-08-24 | Clark E Jacoby | Revetment |
US2092183A (en) * | 1935-12-02 | 1937-09-07 | Rehfeld George William | Mat for protecting banks of streams |
US2616096A (en) * | 1948-01-17 | 1952-11-04 | Goodrich Co B F | Collapsible pond |
US2653525A (en) * | 1950-01-16 | 1953-09-29 | Mcguire John Sargeant | Landing mat |
US3374635A (en) * | 1966-06-29 | 1968-03-26 | Horace C. Crandall | Bags for use in revetment structures |
US3561219A (en) * | 1967-10-13 | 1971-02-09 | Toray Industries | Textile mat for industrial use in the field of civil engineering |
US3764446A (en) * | 1972-01-19 | 1973-10-09 | M Martin | Discarded tire carcasses secured together by fasteners to form a chain or mat |
US3837169A (en) * | 1972-10-10 | 1974-09-24 | B Lamberton | Reinforced mattress for protecting shorelines and the like |
US3886751A (en) * | 1973-11-12 | 1975-06-03 | Jimenez Labora Mauricio Porraz | Aquatic construction module and method of forming thereof |
US3890802A (en) * | 1972-04-24 | 1975-06-24 | Rhone Poulenc Textile | Reinforced dike |
US4154061A (en) * | 1977-07-21 | 1979-05-15 | Construction Techniques, Inc. | Fabric forms for concrete |
US4184788A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1980-01-22 | Raymond International, Inc. | Form for erosion control structures |
US4188153A (en) * | 1976-03-31 | 1980-02-12 | Taylor John E | Formation of barriers |
US4299514A (en) * | 1978-12-06 | 1981-11-10 | Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. | Collapsible rubber dam |
US4362433A (en) * | 1980-10-30 | 1982-12-07 | Wagner David R | Flood disaster control bag |
US4367978A (en) * | 1980-09-15 | 1983-01-11 | Cecil Schaaf | Device for preventing beach erosion |
US4372705A (en) * | 1980-11-18 | 1983-02-08 | Atkinson Francis S | Articulated erosion control system |
US4486115A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1984-12-04 | Gang-Nail Systems, Inc. | Connector plates |
US4555201A (en) * | 1983-11-14 | 1985-11-26 | Paoluccio John A | Sediment dike apparatus and methods |
US4610568A (en) * | 1984-03-28 | 1986-09-09 | Koerner Robert M | Slope stabilization system and method |
US4661014A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1987-04-28 | Groupement D'interet Economique | Prefabricated civil engineering module, method for the construction of a structure including said module and resulting structure |
US4717283A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1988-01-05 | Presto Products, Incorporated | Installation frame for a grid soil confinement system |
US4729691A (en) * | 1986-11-04 | 1988-03-08 | Sample Jay W | Backshore sill beach and dune erosion control system |
US4778309A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1988-10-18 | Presto Products, Incorporated | Stackable grid material for soil confinement |
US4779393A (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1988-10-25 | Jong Slosson B | Building methods and structures |
US4787774A (en) * | 1987-07-01 | 1988-11-29 | Grove William M | Fluid control apparatus |
US4797026A (en) * | 1984-05-09 | 1989-01-10 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Expandable sand-grid for stabilizing an undersurface |
US4804293A (en) * | 1986-01-28 | 1989-02-14 | Comporgan Rendszerhaz K.V. | Flexible layer structure for protecting earthworks, bed walls and for delimiting embedding layers |
US4906134A (en) * | 1985-07-29 | 1990-03-06 | Hoyeck Ralph H | Self supporting flexible wall dams |
US4965097A (en) * | 1989-01-11 | 1990-10-23 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Texturized cell material for confinement of concrete and earth materials |
US4966491A (en) * | 1989-08-01 | 1990-10-30 | Sample Jay W | Subsurface dune protection system and method |
US5059065A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1991-10-22 | David Doolaege | Apparatus and a method for joining water structure sections or the like |
US5091247A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1992-02-25 | Nicolon Corporation | Woven geotextile grid |
US5156495A (en) * | 1978-10-16 | 1992-10-20 | P. L. G. Research Limited | Plastic material mesh structure |
US5158395A (en) * | 1985-01-17 | 1992-10-27 | Holmberg Dick L | Erosion control foundation mat and method |
US5857806A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1999-01-12 | Melin; Sigurd | Liquid damming protective bank as well as a method and a damming device for erecting such a protective bank |
US5865564A (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 1999-02-02 | Aqua-Barrier, Inc. | Water-fillable barrier |
US5934027A (en) * | 1998-02-19 | 1999-08-10 | Khalili; Ebrahim Nader | Earthquake resistant building structure employing sandbags |
US6896449B1 (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2005-05-24 | Ecoflex Australia Pty Limited | Retaining wall system |
US20060257212A1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2006-11-16 | Kim Hun S | Retaining wall system with interlocked wall-building units |
US7258326B2 (en) * | 2003-10-08 | 2007-08-21 | Lifenet Softwalls, Llc | Wall made of bagel split tires |
US20070269141A1 (en) * | 2004-10-02 | 2007-11-22 | Saratoga Technologies Limited | Tie Linking Filled Sandbags and Use In a Barrier Formed from Filled Sandbags |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU780478B2 (en) | 1999-04-08 | 2005-03-24 | Beon Top Enterprises Ltd. | Retaining wall system with interlocked wall-building units |
CA2268509A1 (en) | 1999-04-08 | 2000-10-08 | Versa-Lok Asia Inc. | Retaining wall system with interlocked sandbags |
US7083364B2 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2006-08-01 | Beon Top Enterprises, Ltd. | Retaining wall system with interlocked wall-building units |
US7226240B2 (en) | 2001-07-31 | 2007-06-05 | Tyler Rodney W | Devices, systems, and methods for controlling erosion |
US7452165B2 (en) | 2001-07-31 | 2008-11-18 | Tyler Rodney W | Containment systems, methods, and devices |
CA2496090A1 (en) | 2005-02-08 | 2006-08-08 | Deltalok Inc. | Sandbag wall system with untied sandbags |
CA2496115A1 (en) | 2005-02-08 | 2006-08-08 | Deltalok Inc. | Sandbag wall system with sandbags having a waist portion |
CA2496084A1 (en) | 2005-02-08 | 2006-08-08 | Deltalok Inc. | Sandbag wall system with multi-compartment sandbag |
CA2515927A1 (en) | 2005-08-15 | 2007-02-15 | Deltalok Inc. | Freestanding wall structures made using sandbags |
CA2517669A1 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2007-02-28 | Deltalok Inc. | Retaining wall constructed using sandbags |
CA2518571A1 (en) | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-08 | Deltalok Inc. | Sandbag retaining walls adapted for plant growth |
CA2518573A1 (en) | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-08 | Deltalok Inc. | Constructions and reinforcement structures of connected sandbags |
US7811029B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2010-10-12 | Agrecol, Llc | Woven soil stabilization system |
-
2011
- 2011-08-01 EP EP11813308.1A patent/EP2598703A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-08-01 CA CA2803917A patent/CA2803917C/en active Active
- 2011-08-01 WO PCT/US2011/046163 patent/WO2012016246A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-08-01 MX MX2013001254A patent/MX338202B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2011-08-01 US US13/195,807 patent/US9175453B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-08-01 AU AU2011283647A patent/AU2011283647B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2015
- 2015-10-30 US US14/927,464 patent/US20160047108A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-08-12 AU AU2016213895A patent/AU2016213895B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1252678A (en) * | 1916-08-02 | 1918-01-08 | Asa W Farney | Riprap. |
US1597114A (en) * | 1925-06-22 | 1926-08-24 | Clark E Jacoby | Revetment |
US2092183A (en) * | 1935-12-02 | 1937-09-07 | Rehfeld George William | Mat for protecting banks of streams |
US2616096A (en) * | 1948-01-17 | 1952-11-04 | Goodrich Co B F | Collapsible pond |
US2653525A (en) * | 1950-01-16 | 1953-09-29 | Mcguire John Sargeant | Landing mat |
US3374635A (en) * | 1966-06-29 | 1968-03-26 | Horace C. Crandall | Bags for use in revetment structures |
US3561219A (en) * | 1967-10-13 | 1971-02-09 | Toray Industries | Textile mat for industrial use in the field of civil engineering |
US3764446A (en) * | 1972-01-19 | 1973-10-09 | M Martin | Discarded tire carcasses secured together by fasteners to form a chain or mat |
US3890802A (en) * | 1972-04-24 | 1975-06-24 | Rhone Poulenc Textile | Reinforced dike |
US3837169A (en) * | 1972-10-10 | 1974-09-24 | B Lamberton | Reinforced mattress for protecting shorelines and the like |
US3886751A (en) * | 1973-11-12 | 1975-06-03 | Jimenez Labora Mauricio Porraz | Aquatic construction module and method of forming thereof |
US4188153A (en) * | 1976-03-31 | 1980-02-12 | Taylor John E | Formation of barriers |
US4184788A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1980-01-22 | Raymond International, Inc. | Form for erosion control structures |
US4154061A (en) * | 1977-07-21 | 1979-05-15 | Construction Techniques, Inc. | Fabric forms for concrete |
US5156495A (en) * | 1978-10-16 | 1992-10-20 | P. L. G. Research Limited | Plastic material mesh structure |
US5156495B1 (en) * | 1978-10-16 | 1994-08-30 | Plg Res | Plastic material mesh structure |
US4299514A (en) * | 1978-12-06 | 1981-11-10 | Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. | Collapsible rubber dam |
US4367978A (en) * | 1980-09-15 | 1983-01-11 | Cecil Schaaf | Device for preventing beach erosion |
US4362433A (en) * | 1980-10-30 | 1982-12-07 | Wagner David R | Flood disaster control bag |
US4372705A (en) * | 1980-11-18 | 1983-02-08 | Atkinson Francis S | Articulated erosion control system |
US4486115A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1984-12-04 | Gang-Nail Systems, Inc. | Connector plates |
US4555201A (en) * | 1983-11-14 | 1985-11-26 | Paoluccio John A | Sediment dike apparatus and methods |
US4661014A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1987-04-28 | Groupement D'interet Economique | Prefabricated civil engineering module, method for the construction of a structure including said module and resulting structure |
US4610568A (en) * | 1984-03-28 | 1986-09-09 | Koerner Robert M | Slope stabilization system and method |
US4797026A (en) * | 1984-05-09 | 1989-01-10 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Expandable sand-grid for stabilizing an undersurface |
US5158395A (en) * | 1985-01-17 | 1992-10-27 | Holmberg Dick L | Erosion control foundation mat and method |
US4717283A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1988-01-05 | Presto Products, Incorporated | Installation frame for a grid soil confinement system |
US4906134A (en) * | 1985-07-29 | 1990-03-06 | Hoyeck Ralph H | Self supporting flexible wall dams |
US4804293A (en) * | 1986-01-28 | 1989-02-14 | Comporgan Rendszerhaz K.V. | Flexible layer structure for protecting earthworks, bed walls and for delimiting embedding layers |
US4729691A (en) * | 1986-11-04 | 1988-03-08 | Sample Jay W | Backshore sill beach and dune erosion control system |
US4778309A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1988-10-18 | Presto Products, Incorporated | Stackable grid material for soil confinement |
US4787774A (en) * | 1987-07-01 | 1988-11-29 | Grove William M | Fluid control apparatus |
US4779393A (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1988-10-25 | Jong Slosson B | Building methods and structures |
US5091247A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1992-02-25 | Nicolon Corporation | Woven geotextile grid |
US4965097A (en) * | 1989-01-11 | 1990-10-23 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Texturized cell material for confinement of concrete and earth materials |
US4966491A (en) * | 1989-08-01 | 1990-10-30 | Sample Jay W | Subsurface dune protection system and method |
US5059065A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1991-10-22 | David Doolaege | Apparatus and a method for joining water structure sections or the like |
US5857806A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1999-01-12 | Melin; Sigurd | Liquid damming protective bank as well as a method and a damming device for erecting such a protective bank |
US6896449B1 (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2005-05-24 | Ecoflex Australia Pty Limited | Retaining wall system |
US5865564A (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 1999-02-02 | Aqua-Barrier, Inc. | Water-fillable barrier |
US5934027A (en) * | 1998-02-19 | 1999-08-10 | Khalili; Ebrahim Nader | Earthquake resistant building structure employing sandbags |
US20060257212A1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2006-11-16 | Kim Hun S | Retaining wall system with interlocked wall-building units |
US7258326B2 (en) * | 2003-10-08 | 2007-08-21 | Lifenet Softwalls, Llc | Wall made of bagel split tires |
US20070269141A1 (en) * | 2004-10-02 | 2007-11-22 | Saratoga Technologies Limited | Tie Linking Filled Sandbags and Use In a Barrier Formed from Filled Sandbags |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2014225256B2 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2018-03-15 | Callewaert Intellectual Property Inc. | Interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag structure |
US9512594B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2016-12-06 | Callewaert Intellectual Property Inc. | Interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag structure |
WO2014134735A1 (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2014-09-12 | Callewaert Mike | Interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag structure |
US10125465B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2018-11-13 | Bari G. Blanks | Interconnecting members and methods of interconnecting units |
JP2014177814A (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-25 | Toyobo Co Ltd | Cloth form and slope protection method |
US20140369768A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-12-18 | Bari G. Blanks | Interconnecting Members and Methods of Interconnecting Units |
WO2017039530A1 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2017-03-09 | Systemnix Asia Pte Ltd | Permanent soil stabilization system and embankment protection and erosion control method using the same |
KR101700881B1 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2017-02-01 | 박미정 | Soil bag for growing plants binding plate |
KR101974552B1 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2019-05-02 | 안학현 | Slope supporting structures |
KR20180090170A (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2018-08-10 | 안학현 | Slope supporting structures |
KR20220043446A (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2022-04-05 | 김헌수 | Breast wall structure |
WO2022071666A1 (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2022-04-07 | 김헌수 | Retaining wall structure |
KR102485557B1 (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2023-01-06 | 김헌수 | Breast wall structure |
GB2613704A (en) * | 2020-09-29 | 2023-06-14 | Su Kim Hun | Retaining wall structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2011283647B2 (en) | 2016-05-12 |
WO2012016246A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
MX2013001254A (en) | 2013-09-02 |
MX338202B (en) | 2016-04-07 |
AU2011283647A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
US20160047108A1 (en) | 2016-02-18 |
EP2598703A4 (en) | 2015-11-25 |
AU2016213895B2 (en) | 2018-08-09 |
CA2803917C (en) | 2018-09-04 |
EP2598703A1 (en) | 2013-06-05 |
US9175453B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 |
AU2016213895A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 |
CA2803917A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9175453B2 (en) | Retaining wall systems and methods of constructing same | |
CA2675158C (en) | Roof block | |
US8632282B2 (en) | Mechanically stabilized earth system and method | |
KR200407940Y1 (en) | Vegetated retaining structures | |
US20070110522A1 (en) | Retaining wall constructed using sandbags | |
CA2051348A1 (en) | Mortarless retaining wall | |
KR100754979B1 (en) | Rivers construction which use fixing constructions stone | |
US20070036615A1 (en) | Freestanding wall structures made using sandbags | |
KR100753958B1 (en) | Green wall structure | |
JP4583365B2 (en) | Retaining wall and construction method of retaining wall | |
US20140314501A1 (en) | Mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use | |
WO2008029771A1 (en) | Sandbag guide frame and sandbag construction method employing sandbag guide frame | |
US20130011208A1 (en) | Retaining wall systems with sandbag attachment members | |
KR20070048511A (en) | Vegetated retaining structures | |
KR20160109206A (en) | A gabion | |
JP2006342656A (en) | Retaining wall coping with displacement caused by earthquake, its construction method, and block for retaining wall | |
WO2006112579A1 (en) | Revetment block for preventing evacuation of sediment and construction method thereof | |
JP4382233B2 (en) | Vegetation base | |
US10125465B2 (en) | Interconnecting members and methods of interconnecting units | |
KR101527703B1 (en) | Revetment Block and Installation Method Thereof | |
JP3934748B2 (en) | Connector | |
CA2426836A1 (en) | Retaining wall made of sandbags | |
KR100736839B1 (en) | Method of building a breast wall using a hexahedron burlap bag | |
JP3011169U (en) | Ground reinforcement connector | |
JP6457906B2 (en) | Leg frame member connection hardware and leg frame member |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALFREDS & ALFREDS, INC., WASHINGTON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ALFREDS, KIM L.;REEL/FRAME:026969/0936 Effective date: 20110920 |
|
ZAAA | Notice of allowance and fees due |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: NOA |
|
ZAAB | Notice of allowance mailed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: MN/=. |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20231103 |